2555) "The Hermit", Tarot Cards, Niue Island: The Tenth $2 (Two Dollars) Coin Card released by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2022:
For some of us, the thought of Tarot cards inspires visions of a mysterious fortune teller dealing out cards while a foreboding and ominous silence cloaks the colourfully dressed woman in darkness as she discerns the querent's future from what the cards have to say.
For several others, Tarot cards are used for conventional games where the cards are used without any danger of occult implications.
No matter what one thinks of Tarot cards, this Card is an absolute beauty replete with symbolism.
"The Hermit" Tarot Card presents an image replete with Symbolism:
The tenth release in the prestigious New Zealand Mint’s popular Tarot Card series, this rectangular card-shaped proof mirrors the shape of a Tarot card.
This Card depicts "The Hermit" in the form of an old man holding a lamp and a staff that is similar in appearance to the inside illustration of rock band Led Zeppelin’s fourth album.
Titled "The Hermit", it was painted by Barrington Coleby and was influenced by the design of the card of the same name in the widely popular Rider–Waite tarot deck that was first published in 1909.
The image is overflowing with symbolism:
The Hermit stands on a snow-capped mountain to represent his spiritual mastery, growth, and accomplishment.
He holds a lantern in his right hand.
Inside is a six-pointed star—the Seal of Solomon, a symbol of wisdom.
The lamp is meant to light the Hermit’s way but only a few steps at a time for he must step forward to see where to go next, knowing that not everything will be revealed at once.
The Hermit holds a long staff as a sign of his power and authority in his left hand with which he uses to guide and balance him.
Tarot decks first appeared in Italy in the 1430s, and unlike regular card decks that number 52 cards consisting of four suits; Spades, Clubs, Diamonds, and Hearts; Tarot card decks have a five suit, - Swords (representing the Air Element), "Wands" (representing the Fire element), "Cups" (representing the Water Element), "Pentacles" (Representing the Coins or the material/ground element). There is also the "Major Arcana" (Major Secrets), of 21 specially illustrated cards called “Triumphs” and an odd card called “The Fool.” (The Major Arcana represents the Fool's journey in Life).
The Hermit is the ninth card in the Major Arcana and encourages us to take a careful examination of our lives away from the current demands of our position.
"The Hermit" is the overall tenth release in the New Zealand Mint's exciting new Tarot Cards Coin Collection on behalf of the Niue Islands, struck in 1oz pure silver. The Card showcases striking artwork of "The Hermit" with vibrant colourisation and detailed engravings.
It is superbly crafted into a rectangular coin, shaped to reflect a Tarot card.
The Coin:
The inscriptions are - 'ELIZABETH II. NIUE, 2022. 2 DOLLARS".
The Coin is legal tender in Niue.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country of issue: Niue Island; Year: 2022; Denomination/Face Value: $2 (Two Dollars - NZD); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 1.0 Oz or 31.107 grams; Diameter/Size: 53.0 mm x 36.0 mm; Coin Quality: Gem Proof condition with frosted details rising over mirror-like fields, with applied colour; Mintage: 2,000 pieces; Special Technique: Ultra High Relief; Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes. A holographic sticker on the packaging confirms the serial number for each coin. This is a unique addition to any Tarot or coin collection.
Remarks - The coin is presented in custom-made book-style packaging which offers the meaning behind the card and the Certificate of Authenticity alongside the coin.
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